'Smarter' lifestyle programme to support tenants » Housing » 24dash.com

Two thirds of households on an estate in Wakefield recognise that they are in need of lifestyle assistance and are keen to take part in a programme that will improve their well being and meet their aspirations.

Over 50 per cent of tenants approached by Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) in Eastmoor say they are struggling with employment, education and health. One in four declared they were experiencing financial hardship and some owed money to loan sharks at rates of over 400 per cent.

Partnership work between WDH, NHS Wakefield District and other agencies is identifying the hardest hit families in an area where average household income is £10,500 p/a and offering help as part of the innovative Smarter Lifestyle programme. The scheme has been set up to improve a wide range of issues such as education, training, finding employment, health and financial management.

Sharon France, Area Manager for WDH, has been overseeing the pilot project on Eastmoor, which has put troubled tenants in touch with a list of charities and agencies compiled by the Primary Care Trust (PCT) to assist them in clearing debts. The agencies have also been able to support the purchases of basic household items like cookers, washing machines and fridge freezers.

Miss France said: “Despite the UK emerging from the recession recently there remain some important challenges ahead of us, such as protecting tenants and residents’ well being. The help from local charities already exists; the problem is access. This programme enables us to put people in touch with the relevant agencies.”

WDH has a dedicated Debt Team that has this year alone managed to recoup over £290,000 in bank charges for tenants. It also employs five health inequality workers and three employment advisors who have re-introduced many people from across the district back into work, as well as wipe debts.

Miss France added: “People can also attend ‘Money Matters’ sessions, where they are able to get advice from the Debt Team about credit cards, loans and financial support they never knew they were entitled to. After six consecutive quarters of a contracting UK economy, it is important that we support those who have been deeply affected with projects such as this.”

The programme will be rolled out later this year to other parts of the Wakefield district.